For the first time a red weather warning has been issued for extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday in our area. An amber weather warning is in place for Sunday. We’re being advised to amend our plans to protect against the affects of the heat.
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The latest weather forecast in Banbury:
The government has advice on keeping cool at home and also staying safe in hot weather.
The NHS has good information on the common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
The main risks posed by hot weather are:
In some cases these conditions can make people very unwell, and sometimes lead to admissions to hospital.
Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “While hot weather is enjoyable for most people, it can be uncomfortable for others. Sadly, experience tells us that exposure to excessive heat can make people seriously ill. We should all take sensible precautions to protect ourselves during warm periods to prevent heat-related health issues.”
Lily O’Connor, Director of Urgent Care for Oxfordshire, said: “Over the past few days, we have seen people coming to our busy Emergency Departments for heat-related issues. Taking a few simple steps can make a big difference to your health in hot weather.
“Please take care and keep an eye out for elderly or more vulnerable relatives and friends. People are often more comfortable at home than in hospital, and we want to avoid preventable trips to hospital wherever we can.
“It is important that people think about the activities they are carrying out – if they’re not essential, think about postponing to cooler times of day where possible.”
Dr Ed Capo-Bianco, GP in South Oxfordshire and Clinical Lead for Urgent Care In Oxfordshire, said: “While the good weather might be welcome to some, it can also come with significant health risks particularly for the elderly, the very young, and people with long term health conditions, like diabetes, COPD, or heart failure.
“It is really important for people of all ages to make sure that they stay well and safe by drinking lots more water than usual to stay well hydrated. It is also advisable to stay out of the direct sun between the hours of 11am and 3pm and avoiding any extreme exercise or exertion during these times. If you do start to feel unwell or poorly, then contact NHS 111 in the first instance.”
Paul Jefferies, Assistant Director of Operations at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which, if not treated quickly, can be very serious. We are asking people to follow NHS advice about changing your behaviour to cope better with the expected high temperatures, and therefore prevent avoidable 999 emergencies.
“We continue to prioritise our response to those patients with life-threatening and serious emergencies but, due to current levels of pressure we are seeing, there will be delays in responding to other patients with less urgent needs who are assessed as requiring an ambulance response.
“We are asking patients to help us at this time by seeking alternative treatment or advice via NHS 111 online or by calling 111, using local urgent care centres, or speaking to their GP or pharmacist. We are also asking people not to call 999 back to ask about an estimated time unless the patient’s condition has changed. This keeps the line free for someone who may need urgent assistance.”
If you need medical help that is not life-threatening, contact NHS 111 who will give you advice and point you to the best service for your needs.
Customers are advised not to travel on Monday and Tuesday due to the extreme temperatures. The heat will cause disruption to the rail infrastructure and will lead to lengthy delays, short notice cancellations and a significantly reduced timetable.
If you do have to use a train:
Amongst the risks on the rail network during extremely hot days are line side fires and buckling of tracks.
Emergency speed restrictions will be in place for much of the day.
On Chiltern one train will operate per hour in each direction between Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street.
On Cross Country until 11am a near normal service will operate. From 11am a two hourly service will operate between Birmingham and Reading only. No CrossCountry service run win between Reading and Bournemouth.
Students at Wykham Park Academy are not required to wear blazers or ties due to the high temperatures. Parents are asked to ensure their child has 2 bottles of water with them for these days. They will also be able to refill them during break and lunch time. The school day will be shortened, avoiding the worst heat, closing at 1.35pm.
At the Warriner School students can wear PE kit for the rest of the term. They should bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Chenderit has taken the decision that students should come to school in whatever clothing they feel will be the most appropriate for them, given the temperatures. This relaxation of uniform code will be in place on Monday and Tuesday. Students are no longer expected to wear their uniform or their PE kit.. The school asks parents to ensure their child wears sun cream, brings a large bottle (or more) with plenty of water to drink and a sun hat.
At BGN they say they have very little shade on our site so lunch will be shorter than usual and students advised to remain indoors or in the shade, to drink lots of water and to avoid physical exertion. The school day will end at 3pm on Monday and Tuesday with Tuesday being an earlier end to term. Buses will collect students at 3pm. Students will not be expected to wear blazers or ties, and trainers will be permitted. Alternatively, students can wear BGN PE uniform. No other sportswear is permitted.
North Oxfordshire Academy have a non-uniform day raising funds for local charity Freddie’s Future. They ask that sun hats, sunscreen and water bottles are included due to the extreme weather.
Hill View Primary will be closing from 12:30pm on both Monday and Tuesday. They will bring lunchtime forward so children will all have eaten before going home. Any parents who choose not to send their children into school on Monday or Tuesday due to the weather will have authorised absence. – but please make the school aware by completing the form linked in the email sent to parents.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School will move to remote learning for all pupils on Monday due to the extreme weather. Plans for Tuesday are being considered.
Hanwell Fields Primary School are planning to close at lunchtime on Monday and Tuesday.
If you live in the Cherwell District and your waste and recycling are normally collected on a Tuesday please make sure your bins are out by 6:30am. The crews will be starting their work earlier in the morning so they have less to do during the hottest hours of the day.
West Northamptonshire Council’s refuse collection workers will also start their rounds early to complete more work in the cooler hours.
All Oxfordshire Waste and Recycling Centres – including Alkerton – will be closing early at 1pm on both Monday and Tuesday, due to the high temperatures predicted.
West Northamptonshire’s Farthinghoe recycling centre closed on Monday lunchtime due to the extreme temperatures.
At the Woodgreen Leisure Centre the Outdoor Pool is open on Monday afternoon from 1.30-3.30 and again from 4.00-7.00.
The Woodgreen Leisure Centre air conditioned Library will be open for you to go and cool off.
St Mary’s Church in Banbury will open from 9am to 6pm on Monday and Tuesday for anyone that would like to go into a cool and calm place and escape from the heat. Everyone is welcome and if you want to take your lunch in to escape from the office, or are just in town and want to sit down for a little bit, you are more than welcome.
